Latest news with #AbdullaNasserLootah


Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
UAE summons Israeli ambassador, notes its condemnation of 'provocative practices in Jerusalem'
Lebanese president holds talks with Emirati delegation in Beirut BEIRUT: A delegation from the UAE arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to review the needs and priorities of the Lebanese state, following the results of the Lebanese-Emirati summit that took place at the end of April in Abu Dhabi. President Joseph Aoun, who met with the delegation, praised the 'interest of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, in supporting Lebanon.' The delegation was led by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, deputy minister of cabinet affairs for competitiveness and knowledge exchange. During the meeting, Aoun said, according to his media office: 'The current phase necessitates the expansion of cooperation and the deepening of exchange and integration in education, governance, and public sector management, extending to private sector initiatives and various investments, particularly in knowledge economies, digitization, and advanced technology, where the expertise of our brothers in the United Arab Emirates is significant in these areas.' Lootah outlined the delegation's mission to 'define partnership frameworks and facilitate data exchange,' emphasizing that 'the UAE will stand with Lebanon in realizing the aspirations articulated by President Aoun during his discussions with our leadership. We are committed to delivering comprehensive support that strengthens bilateral cooperation, guided by extensive facilitation measures and leadership's directives.' An extensive technical session between Lebanese and Emirati officials addressed key modernization priorities. Presidential sources indicated the talks concentrated on 'collaborative mechanisms for streamlining administrative processes, advancing digital transformation, strengthening legal frameworks, and improving public sector efficiency through bilateral knowledge transfer and technical assistance programs.' Concurrently, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the Dubai Media Summit, declaring Lebanon's emergence 'from the debris of multiple crises, determined to reclaim its identity, voice, and statehood after years of debilitating sectarian divisions, conflicts, and external interference.' Salam outlined his administration's core principle: 'Our governmental approach links reform with sovereignty, necessitating weapons monopolization under state authority. Lebanon must escape the arms duality that created decision-making duality and undermined our national project. 'Our Lebanese vision represents practical policy, not idealistic thinking,' Salam said. 'We envision a constitutional state governed by institutions rather than sectarian allocations and patronage networks — a sovereign entity free from external control, a decision-making state rather than a battleground for regional conflicts.' The prime minister concluded with Lebanon's strategic positioning: 'We seek a Lebanon controlling its destiny in both peace and war, firmly anchored in Arab identity while maintaining global openness, serving as an East-West communication bridge.' Salam believes that 'now that Lebanon has returned to the Arab fold, it longs to the active return of its Arab brothers, based on partnership and complementarity.' He thanked the UAE and its president for 'their supportive decisions and for allowing the brotherly Emirati people to visit Lebanon, their second country, again.' He pointed out that 'about 190,000 Lebanese live and work with utmost dedication and sincerity in the UAE, their second country, where they enjoy safety, security and quality of life.' The Lebanese prime minister mentioned 'the ongoing Israeli occupation of our territory,' and the 'daily Israeli violations of our sovereignty, while we work on fully implementing decision 1701, and commit to the cessation of hostilities.' Salam emphasized that 'Beirut was and still is a beacon for expression, a hub of freedoms, and a loud Arab voice in the face of darkness and closed-mindedness. Lebanon, this small country in its geography, deep in its wounds, and rich in its cultural and human heritage, is determined to reclaim its place at the heart of the Arab world and on the map of the future despite all the storms,' he said. Salam also mentioned the challenges facing the media these days, when 'media is no longer a true reflection, but a tool that shapes the public opinion, as well as peace and strife.' Those challenges, he said, required a new discourse. 'Today, we stand at a historic crossroads in the region; a delicate regional moment that calls for a new media discourse. One that counters efforts at marginalization and fragmentation and rekindles hope. 'We seek a modern, dynamic and diverse Arab media that shapes the future and does not dwell upon the past. One that opens windows rather than shuts them. That safeguards freedom rather than exploits it. The discourse, when truthful, can serve as a bridge toward more humane and cohesive societies.'


Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Lebanese president holds talks with Emirati delegation in Beirut
BEIRUT: A delegation from the UAE arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to review the needs and priorities of the Lebanese state, following the results of the Lebanese-Emirati summit that took place at the end of April in Abu Dhabi. President Joseph Aoun, who met with the delegation, praised the 'interest of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, in supporting Lebanon.' The delegation was led by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, deputy minister of cabinet affairs for competitiveness and knowledge exchange. During the meeting, Aoun said, according to his media office: 'The current phase necessitates the expansion of cooperation and the deepening of exchange and integration in education, governance, and public sector management, extending to private sector initiatives and various investments, particularly in knowledge economies, digitization, and advanced technology, where the expertise of our brothers in the United Arab Emirates is significant in these areas.' Lootah outlined the delegation's mission to 'define partnership frameworks and facilitate data exchange,' emphasizing that 'the UAE will stand with Lebanon in realizing the aspirations articulated by President Aoun during his discussions with our leadership. We are committed to delivering comprehensive support that strengthens bilateral cooperation, guided by extensive facilitation measures and leadership's directives.' An extensive technical session between Lebanese and Emirati officials addressed key modernization priorities. Presidential sources indicated the talks concentrated on 'collaborative mechanisms for streamlining administrative processes, advancing digital transformation, strengthening legal frameworks, and improving public sector efficiency through bilateral knowledge transfer and technical assistance programs.' Concurrently, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the Dubai Media Summit, declaring Lebanon's emergence 'from the debris of multiple crises, determined to reclaim its identity, voice, and statehood after years of debilitating sectarian divisions, conflicts, and external interference.' Salam outlined his administration's core principle: 'Our governmental approach links reform with sovereignty, necessitating weapons monopolization under state authority. Lebanon must escape the arms duality that created decision-making duality and undermined our national project. 'Our Lebanese vision represents practical policy, not idealistic thinking,' Salam said. 'We envision a constitutional state governed by institutions rather than sectarian allocations and patronage networks — a sovereign entity free from external control, a decision-making state rather than a battleground for regional conflicts.' The prime minister concluded with Lebanon's strategic positioning: 'We seek a Lebanon controlling its destiny in both peace and war, firmly anchored in Arab identity while maintaining global openness, serving as an East-West communication bridge.' Salam believes that 'now that Lebanon has returned to the Arab fold, it longs to the active return of its Arab brothers, based on partnership and complementarity.' He thanked the UAE and its president for 'their supportive decisions and for allowing the brotherly Emirati people to visit Lebanon, their second country, again.' He pointed out that 'about 190,000 Lebanese live and work with utmost dedication and sincerity in the UAE, their second country, where they enjoy safety, security and quality of life.' The Lebanese prime minister mentioned 'the ongoing Israeli occupation of our territory,' and the 'daily Israeli violations of our sovereignty, while we work on fully implementing decision 1701, and commit to the cessation of hostilities.' Salam emphasized that 'Beirut was and still is a beacon for expression, a hub of freedoms, and a loud Arab voice in the face of darkness and closed-mindedness. Lebanon, this small country in its geography, deep in its wounds, and rich in its cultural and human heritage, is determined to reclaim its place at the heart of the Arab world and on the map of the future despite all the storms,' he said. Salam also mentioned the challenges facing the media these days, when 'media is no longer a true reflection, but a tool that shapes the public opinion, as well as peace and strife.' Those challenges, he said, required a new discourse. 'Today, we stand at a historic crossroads in the region; a delicate regional moment that calls for a new media discourse. One that counters efforts at marginalization and fragmentation and rekindles hope. 'We seek a modern, dynamic and diverse Arab media that shapes the future and does not dwell upon the past. One that opens windows rather than shuts them. That safeguards freedom rather than exploits it. The discourse, when truthful, can serve as a bridge toward more humane and cohesive societies.'


Zawya
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
WGS: UAE Government launches third edition of Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals
The UAE Government has launched the third cohort of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 12th World Government Summit 2025, held in Dubai from February 11th to 13th under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments'. The launch took place during a high-level ministerial roundtable chaired by Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Chair of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals, with the participation of Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Vice Chair of the Global Councils on SDGs, along with the 18 Council Chairs from 17 countries and 17 Vice Chairs from the UAE. Ohood Al Roumi emphasised that, under the guidance of the UAE's leadership, the UAE continues to enhance efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on readiness and practical opportunities to double qualitative achievements and empower governments to drive sustainable development. Since its inception in 2018 through the World Governments Summit platform, the ongoing work of the Global Councils on SDGs reflects the UAE's commitment to accelerating international cooperation for achieving development goals. It also supports efforts to ensure a more sustainable future for future generations by sharing expertise, fostering partnerships, focusing on implementation and impact, and uniting efforts to build a sustainable future. Abdulla Nasser Lootah stated, 'Under the directives of the UAE's leadership, the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals is launching the third cohort of the Global Councils on SDGs through the World Governments Summit platform. This initiative provides a comprehensive system for forecasting the future of sustainable development efforts. It serves as a strategic step to enhance constructive international cooperation and add a new qualitative dimension to national efforts by expanding knowledge partnerships with partner countries in the Government Experience Exchange Programme. The councils act as a global bridge connecting the UAE with decision-makers and thought leaders in sustainability, working together to accelerate global efforts and develop mechanisms that enhance the achievement of SDGs beyond 2030.' The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals has launched the third edition of the Global Councils, adopting a more inclusive and pioneering model that brings together decision-makers and thought leaders from 17 partner governments worldwide. These governments are strategically partnered with the UAE through the Government Experience Exchange Programme, covering areas such as government research and development, investment, energy, environment, agriculture, advanced technology, and green and blue economies. The initiative aims to accelerate SDG implementation, address key global issues, highlight international priorities, and strengthen the development agenda through the SDGs in Action Forum at the World Governments Summit. It also fosters experience exchange and best practices in sustainability to promote international collaboration and drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and beyond. Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi will chair the Global Councils from 2025 to 2026, with Abdulla Nasser Lootah serving as Vice Chair. Each council will operate as an independent working group, comprising a Chair, a Vice Chair, and council members. To strengthen productive partnerships in the Global Councils on SDGs for sustainable progress at both national and international levels, 17 senior UAE government officials have been appointed as Vice Chairs of the councils. These officials, including Directors-General and Undersecretaries, represent the UAE's best practices and ensure that national perspectives align with the diverse needs and aspirations of various communities.


Gulf Today
10-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
First Lady of Colombia briefed on UAE knowledge exchange Initiatives
During her visit to the Government Knowledge Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs in Dubai, the First Lady of the Republic of Colombia, Verónica Alcocer García, was presented with an overview of the initiatives and achievements of the office's international partnerships. These initiatives are dedicated to advancing government development and modernisation, enhancing institutional capacity, and strengthening public administration. The Colombian First Lady engaged in discussions on fostering strategic cooperation between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Colombia, with a focus on government knowledge exchange, community development, and humanitarian initiatives. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange under the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, said that the UAE government is keen on expanding areas of cooperation and opening new horizons for purposeful international partnerships with various countries worldwide. He pointed out that the visit of Colombia's First Lady to the Knowledge Exchange Office reflects the significant priority that the Republic of Colombia places on fostering productive cooperation between the two nations in various fields. The First Lady of Colombia also met with Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid is the Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, Manal Omran Taryam. CEO and Board Member Noor Dubai Foundation, and Manal Bin Salem, Director of Government Knowledge Exchange at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. The discussions focused on avenues for collaboration between the two countries in implementing sustainable initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life through government knowledge exchange and global development initiatives. The visit of the First Lady of Colombia took place within the framework of the distinguished relations between the UAE and Colombia and as part of the efforts of both nations to expand cooperation in humanitarian and community work, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.